The changes come on foot of a damning HIQA report into the facility.
The HSE says the volumes of more complex surgeries at Portlaoise aren't high enough to maintain expert standards, and will instead be transferred to either St. James' in Dublin or the Midlands Regional in Tullamore.
Irish Times Health Correspondent Paul Cullen says the findings of the HIQA report are being acted upon and similar changes may be on the way for other smaller hospitals.
